India's AI Copyright Gamble: DPIIT's Hybrid Licensing Plan Sparks Battle

• DPIIT proposes a 'One Nation, One Licence' model for generative AI, allowing AI developers to use 'lawfully accessible' copyrighted content for training under a mandatory blanket licence.
• The draft framework aims to balance AI innovation with fair compensation for creators, with royalties payable upon commercialisation of AI models.
• Industry reaction is split: some see reduced friction and fair pay for creators, while others warn of market distortion, forced participation, and structural risks.
• Concerns include the lack of opt-out options for creators, government-determined royalty rates, and potential for larger publishers to dominate smaller ones.
• Experts highlight gaps in the proposal, such as no clear statutory basis, transparent royalty-setting, or enforcement mechanisms for foreign AI systems.